Jason Netherton

Chief Instructor 5th Dan

It was in 1981 at the age of nine that Jason was introduced to the Bukonkai Karate Club by his father. The chief instructor was the late Sensei Colin Williams 7th Dan, a highly regarded and decorated karate instructor. He trained there for ten years gaining 1st Dan black belt at the age of 15. Jason can recall being a teenager at these rigorous and demanding sessions where most of the time he would be fighting against full blown adults despite his own young age. At times this was both physically and mentally tough. However in his opinion the tough regimented lessons instilling discipline and martial attitude helped prepare him in all his training and for everyday life. It was with Bukonkai he had his 1st success in competition winning the Bukonkai National Kumite championships aged 16, which was quite a feat beating 2 of his instructors in both the quarter and semi finals, he also had success in the Team Kumite event.

At the age of 17 Karate had to take a back seat for a while as he had just started a career in engineering. At the age of 27 he went back to his first love (Karate) full time. Jason had by now moved area so he had to change his karate training to Chikara Karate Club. Jason was soon competing again nationally and in 2001 was selected for the British Karate Association National Team. In the next three years Jason competed in various National and regional competitions and had fine success. With Jason’s responsibilities changing and a growing number of injuries starting to plague him Jason decided to retire from competition at the end of 2003. He started to pursue other challenges in Karate instruction. In 2004 Jason was fortunate enough to be invited to a Kata and Kumite course held by Sensei George Best 6th Dan. After the session had finished Jason recognised there was several levels he still had to achieve, It was at this point Jason decided to approach Sensei Best and asked if he could commence training with him and with his blessing started training with Sensei Best. After 2 years of competition retirement Jason took his mitts of the peg and entered the 2006 Northern Open Classic Karate championships in the male individual Kumite and successfully took the title. Following this success Jason joined forces with George best and was the founder of Hasha international Karate. With Georges Pedigree and History for high level success and Jason business drive he built Hasha International Karate from zero to nearly 400 students in only 4 years nearly single handed. Winning major contracts at house hold name as Total Fitness, David Lloyd and DW health clubs

In 2008 Jason entered the JSKA World Karate Championships were he came a very credible 4th place in the senior team kumite event. Shortly following this Jason was informed that he would be eligible for his next grading.

In 2009 Jason, keen to improve his personal development, trained diligently and successfully passed his Sandan (3rd Dan). Furthermore, Sensei Jason had fine success in the highly reputable European event the Shobu ippon open international, taking 1st place in the Team kumite. It was also in this year he founded the UKGB.

In 2011 after 5 years of training alongside Sensei Best, Jason decided to part ways and take the UKGB in a different direction. Jason is now the president of the UKGB, he is also the Chief Instructor of Ippon Karate Academy. Following all his hard work and dedication to the teaching of karate in 2013 Jason was awarded his Yondan (4th Dan) at the ITKA/UKGB open championships by Sensei Albert Timothy 6th Dan chief instructor of the ITKA GB.

In the next four years Jason consolidated his academy teaching over 350 students with a regular student base of over 250 students. He has produced over 100 Black Belts. He has also produced International and National champions and over a dozen qualified instructors.

In 2015 Jason trained with legendary instructor Sensei Junior Lefevre in Birmingham, England. Shortly following, Sensei Jason became aware of the new organisation lead by Sensei Junior Lefevre. He subsequently contacted Sensei Junior Lefevre regarding association and affiliation. Sensei Jason was invited to Hombu Dojo in Liege, Belgium and following a successful visit, affiliated the UKGB to Champions International Karate Association (CIKA). In August, Sensei Jason was asked to become chief instructor of CIKA England by Sensei Junior Lefevre. This was a very proud moment for Sensei Jason as he gladly agreed and soon after he was appointed chairman.